Being asked to stand was humbling enough and it has been a true honour to have taken part in the democratic process.
But the result has just flabbergasted me! I never in all my wildest thoughts thought I'd top the table.
So where now?
My aims will be for openness and active engagement so that more people know what the Town Council does, and importantly how they can become involved. With four resignations, the Council would seem to have had a rocky time recently and there are some big challenges looming over funding as budgets are slashed. It will be even more important for the Town Council and local people to work together on the things that matter to us all.
The election turnout was poor, so how can the Council encourage local interest? Perhaps workshops? Maybe a Youth Council? More young people are definitely needed! Perhaps Drop-in sessions for everyone?
Ideas more than welcome.
A Big Big thanks goes to all those people who did vote and to everyone who wants to see our town prosper. Also to all the other candidates, both successful and unsuccessful who were great to meet.
I shall try now and do my best for the great little town we all live in, and hopefully we can all help each other in making Whitchurch a better place.
John
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Result:
John Philip BUCKLEY: 300 votes *
Andy JORDAN: 294 votes *
David John GEORGE: 250 votes *
Maurice Clifford BERRIDGE: 221 votes
Steve NEILSON: 215 votes
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* ELECTED: John Philip Buckley, Andy Jordan, David John George.